Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Diagnosed With Microvascular Ischemia In Pons. Having Balance And Gait Disturbances. Treatment?
Question: My father was diagnosed with microvasuclar ischemia in the pons. He is presenting with balance and gait disturbances. What type of treatment is available for this?
Brief Answer:
physiotherapy
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The pons is part of the brainstem. It is involved in maintaining balance and posture which is why damage to this area is causing your father to lose his balance and affecting his gait.
Ischemia refers to reduced blood supply to a particular area. Ischemia of the brain is a common problem in hypertension due to damage to the blood vessels and formation of cholesterol plaques in the vessels.
Unfortunately ischemic changes cannot be reversed but further damage can be prevented.
This would mean tight control of blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar readings.
He would also need to use aspirin or similar medication with his other medications
In addition to controlling these conditions to prevent further damage, your father may want to start physiotherapy.
A physiotherapist would be able to retrain in gross motor skills such as gait and balance.
He or she would also develop a program to help with general strenghtening.
His doctor may be able to refer him to a good physiotherapist.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any additional questions
physiotherapy
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The pons is part of the brainstem. It is involved in maintaining balance and posture which is why damage to this area is causing your father to lose his balance and affecting his gait.
Ischemia refers to reduced blood supply to a particular area. Ischemia of the brain is a common problem in hypertension due to damage to the blood vessels and formation of cholesterol plaques in the vessels.
Unfortunately ischemic changes cannot be reversed but further damage can be prevented.
This would mean tight control of blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar readings.
He would also need to use aspirin or similar medication with his other medications
In addition to controlling these conditions to prevent further damage, your father may want to start physiotherapy.
A physiotherapist would be able to retrain in gross motor skills such as gait and balance.
He or she would also develop a program to help with general strenghtening.
His doctor may be able to refer him to a good physiotherapist.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any additional questions
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
